Dubbo resident Don Graham describes the community’s attitude towards palliative care as like the road toll- something that some people hear about but believe is happening to someone else.
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Mr Graham was one of the speakers at the Cancer Council’s ‘Our Stories’ palliative care campaign and launch on Monday.
After his experience with palliative care when his mother died in 2011, Mr Graham has joined Cancer Council’s call for ten additional specialist palliative doctors and 129 extra palliative care nurses to be funded by the NSW government.
“I’d like to see a humane and dignified way for people to pass away without unnecessary pain and suffering,” Mr Graham said.
“Dying is a natural part of life, but it’s how we die that matters.”
He said an increase in palliative care specialists would not only benefit those who needed it, but also the grieving families left behind.
“You wouldn’t have horrible memories you would have to live with.”
The Cancer Council is aiming for 10,000 signatures on their palliative care petition for NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
Cancer Council community programs coordinator Camilla Thompson said she wanted the launch to raise awareness of the campaign in the Dubbo community so people could get behind it.
“When our loved ones are in the final stages of their cancer journey, they deserve the best possible care and support. But, right now, that’s not possible because there's a shortage of specialist palliative care in NSW,” Ms Barlow said.
Members of the community can support the campaign by visiting the website at www.canact.com.au/palliative_care_pledge.
Orlander Ruming
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
